Dartmouth College Ÿ Department of German Studies
Deutsch 2 – Winter 2013
Professor Michael McGillen
michael.j.mcgillen@dartmouth.edu
323 Dartmouth Hall, HB 6084; T 603.646.2689
Office Hours: Wednesday, 1:00-2:00; Friday, 11:30-12:30; and by appointment.
Class meetings: Reed Hall 103
9L Section: 8:45-9:50 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and 9:00-9:50 on Thursday.
10 Section: 10:00-11:05 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and 12:00-12:50 on
Thursday.
Textbook: DiDonato/Clyde/Vansant: Deutsch: Na klar! 6th Edition.
The textbook is available at Wheelock Books.
Detailed syllabus: http://sites.dartmouth.edu/germanresources/german-2-winter-2014/
The syllabus is subject to change.
Course Description
Deutsch 2 is designed to further develop your skills in communicating effectively in German and
understanding German culture. We will continue the intensive study of basic grammar and vocabulary,
emphasizing all four skills, i.e., speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Class will be
held in an interactive “full immersion” (German only!) setting, giving you ample opportunity to apply
what you have learned and to practice new words and structures: In class, you will engage in small
group work, role-playing and direct interaction with your peers and your instructor. You will practice
responding to everyday communicative situations, relating information about yourself, and expressing
basic ideas in oral and written discourse. You will also learn strategies to understand the meaning of a
variety of written texts, audio recordings, and visuals, which will be taken from authentic German
sources. “Drill sessions,” held four times a week, will provide you with additional opportunities to
practice new vocabulary and language structures to make them sink in.
The interactive approach to language learning means that in order to do well, you’ll need to:
• Study and practice new words and structures constantly and participate actively in class. Languages
can not be “crammed” before a test! Make sure you don’t fall behind on vocabulary, review old
words frequently, and try to use the new structures and words as much as possible in class. Your
participation will form a significant part of your grade.
• When grammar is assigned, study the explanations in the textbook carefully—don’t just read
through them. We will not devote much class time to grammar explanations; rather, we will use
precious class time to practice and apply the new language structures creatively. This means that
you need to come prepared.
• Reach out to me if you encounter any difficulties. In personal consultations during office hours, you
can address anything that poses a challenge for you in class. Never hesitate to get in touch with me
when you notice that you are struggling.
Deutsch 2 W2014 | Syllabus p. 1
Requirements
• Alert presence, thorough preparation, and active participation in all classes and drills. Unexcused
absences will lower your final grade. You will be responsible for any assignments given, work
handed out and announcements made when you are not present. (N.B. You need to complete the
tasks assigned for each day before you come to class.)
• Drill sessions will meet 4 times a week. You may choose a morning or an afternoon sequence:
at 7:45 a.m. on the days on which class is held (Monday-Wednesday-Thursday-Friday) or at
5:20 p.m. on Monday-Thursday. Attendance is mandatory. It is also extremely important that you
arrive on time.
• If you miss class because of illness or a pressing personal or family matter, you are expected to get
in touch with your instructor as soon as possible.
• Successful performance on communicative tasks, chapter quizzes, and final exam. All tests must be
taken on the scheduled day. If you know that you will not be able to take a test on the scheduled
day because your sports team is traveling, you need to make arrangements with your instructor well
ahead of time in writing. In the case of illness or other unforeseen matters, you need to contact your
instructor as soon as possible to explain your absence and arrange for a make-up test. Tests that are
missed without special permission will not be rescheduled and will receive a score of “0”.
• Timely completion of any other assignments you are asked to do, including the “dialog journals.”
• Please take note of the following test dates:
o 1/15 – Quiz I (Kapitel 6); communicative task TBA
o 1/27 – Quiz II (Kapitel 7); communicative task TBA
o 2/6
– Quiz III (Midterm/Kapitel 8); communicative task TBA
o 2/19 – Quiz IV (Kapitel 9); communicative task TBA
o 2/27 – Quiz V (Kapitel 10); communicative task TBA
o 3/11 – Final exam (including Kapitel 11) from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Grading
All requirements affect your course grade. The general guidelines for determining that grade are:
• Participation in class and drills, journals, plus performance of communicative tasks: 20%
• Chapter quizzes: 50%
• Final exam: 30%.
Grades will be assigned in accordance with the College’s policy of awarding an A only for truly
exceptional work, an A- for outstanding work, a B+ for very good work, a B for good work, and
so on.
Other
• The Academic Honor Principle governs all interactions at Dartmouth. While it is actively
encouraged that you collaborate and interact with your peers in class, all written work that
you submit must be your own. The use of online translation tools, German spell check, and
other such writing aids is not permitted.
• Students who have learning, physical, or psychiatric disabilities and may need
accommodations related to such disabilities should speak with me in the first week of class.
• Students who wish to take part in religious observances that conflict with participation in this
course should speak with me in the first week of class.
• No laptops and no eating during class.
Deutsch 2 W2014 | Syllabus p. 2